Tigers Gain Momentum with RB After Offering

Robert Thorne

03/01/2006

Brian Maddox, one of Scout.com's top 10 players in South Carolina for the class of 2007, received a scholarship offer from Clemson Wednesday. Shortly thereafter, the prize recruit talked with CUTigers.com about how things have changed now with the recruiting process.

6-0, 215 pound running back/linebacker prospect Brian Maddox picked up a scholarship offer from his childhood favorite Wednesday. CUTigers.com caught up with the upstate athlete later in the day to get his thoughts on the recruiting process.

"Yeah I got a text message from my dad earlier today. I talked to coach Parker. He said Clemson had offered me as a running back. Coach Blackwell and coach Bowden talked to coach Parker about the offer," Maddox told CUTigers.com.

"I am very excited about the offer. I am going up for junior day on Saturday."

Some reports had the Gamecocks leading for Maddox after he visited South Carolina this weekend. How does Clemson's offer change things? "I just want to get up there and evaluate things. I want to see what's better than the other schools," he said.

"I went to several games at Clemson last year. I went to the Miami, Florida State and Temple games. Now I want to see how the progress is going on the WestZone. I haven't been there in a while. I want to talk with Coach Burns. I am going to talk with Coach Bowden and Blackwell during the visit."

The Palmetto standout had planned to announce his decision on his birthday in May, but that is no longer appears to be the case. "I think I am going to wait," Maddox said. "I am not going to commit on my birthday any more. Coach Parker told me today that Ohio State is about to offer as well. I am going to back my commitment date up. I want to wait longer and see how things go."

Of course, recruiting enthusiasts will remember that Maddox said late last year that Clemson was his favorite school growing up.

"Yeah, I grew up a Clemson fan," he reiterated. "It would be exciting to run down the hill. All of my family locally could come right up the road and see me play. I have a lot of family in Pendleton."

CUTigers.com will continue to keep you updated on this outstanding athlete from South Carolina, right up through signing day.